The Eucharist is the third sacrament of Initiation by which Catholics partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  The Eucharist is seen as "the source and summit" of Christian living.  So important is it that participation in the Eucharistic celebration is seen as obligatory on every Sunday and Holy Day and is encouraged on other days.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.’ This presence is called “real” too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is asubstantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present” [No. 1374].

FIRST EUCHARIST

• The first Eucharist (Communion) preparation program consists of these components:
• Since parental involvement in catechesis is essential in the initiation process of the child, a First Communion Prep Night is required for the parent/guardian and the child receiving the sacrament.
• The child must be a baptized Catholic and attend PSR/Catholic school regularly (no more than 2 absences per semester) and actively participate in a two-year preparation period. Eucharist preparation begins in grade one and the immediate preparation begins in grade two.
• Baptismal certificates must be on file in order for the child to receive the sacrament Participation in "Jesus Day" retreat is required. 
• Completion of a family banner to hang in the church on First Communion Day
• Since children enter into the reality of Church through their families, through the commitment, example and guidance of their parents and the witness of their local parish church, First Communion will be celebrated with the family during all Masses on April 25 & 26, 2020

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

March 9, 2020 Parent and Child Eucharist Formation Meeting 6:30-8:00 pm in Kramer Hall                April 1, 2020 Jesus Day Volunteer Meeting 6-7 pm in Jansen Center        
April 4, 2020 Jesus Day 8:00 to Noon in the Parish Center                             
April 22, 2020 PSR Parent and Child Eucharist Class                                 
April 25 & 26, 2020  First Communion Celebrations

CRITERIA FOR READINESS

The candidate:

1.  Expresses a verbal desire to receive the Eucharist.
2.  Participates in the Eucharistic Liturgy with an awareness of what she/he is doing.
3.  Gives evidence of an understanding and appreciation of his/her Catholic beliefs and traditions appropriate to the child's age.
4.  Understands the difference between ordinary bread and wine and the Eucharist.

Classes for First Eucharist for older children and youth are scheduled each year through the RCIA for children. 

Please contact the Jansen Center (426-1733 x 301) for more information.